Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was the victim of a fraudster while in England.

ITV reports a professional fraudster plundered the bank accounts of City star David Silva and his former boss Pellegrini in a £150,000 scam - which was only discovered when the ex-Blues boss had his card declined at a restaurant.

Jonathan Reuben, 56, posed as Spain international Silva, who is 31 - wearing just a cap as a disguise - to withdraw over £20,000 in cash from banks in Greater Manchester.

Days later, former Blues boss Pellegrini, 63, found out he was the victim of a £130,000 worth of frauds after he tried to pay for a meal and had his card refused.

Manchester Crown Court heard Reuben, of Kings Court, Birmingham, not only took £100,000 in cash from Pellegrini's accounts, but tried to pay for a £27,000 watch at the Trafford Centre using a card he had obtained in his name.

After his arrest, Reuben - also known as Jonathon Davies - claimed he didn't feel bad about targeting football professionals because 'they could afford it'.

Midfielder Silva and Hebei China Fortune coach Pellegrini have both been reimbursed by their bank - but it is not known where the money went.